How to Avoid Motion Sickness

March 21st, 2019

Updated: September 9th, 2019

Motion sickness is a difficult thing to deal with, especially if you love to travel. Feelings of motion sickness can occur when the inner ear and the eyes send conflicting signals to the brain. This has been known to occur in a car, airplane or boat, but it can happen on amusement park rides or even simulators.

Symptoms and Signs of Motion Sickness

Symptoms can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Pale skin

For those who do not get the sensation of motion sickness, consider yourself lucky. Those with motion sickness have to deal with some obstacles while traveling, but there are ways to cope and help subside the symptoms. If you are one of the unfortunate travelers that deals with motion sickness, you are not alone. Reports say that women are more prone to motion sickness than men, and children ranging in age between 2 and 12 are also more vulnerable to it.

Studies show that there are many factors behind which individuals get motion sick, psychological and physical. Check those out here.

Tips to Avoid Motion Sickness

How to Avoid Car Sickness

There are ways to help you cope with motion sickness while on the road. Check out these tips that might help you on your next trip.

1. Focus on a fixed point

Since your sight is messing with your inner ear movements, as mentioned above, you might start to feel queasy. Try looking out into the distance and focus on a fixed point, such as a building or a mountain. This way your eyes can detect that you are moving and can sync with your ear’s movement.

2. Drive or sit in the front

The driver has control of the car, therefore knows when the bump or turn is coming. If you sit in the back seat, you do not have sight of the road ahead of you. Try driving or sitting in the passenger seat to have a clear view of the road. If you are taking SuperShuttle to the airport, request to sit in the front if you feel like you might get motion sick in the van.

3. Hydrate

Drinking lots of water is always important, but when you are traveling it is important to drink even more. This way you will not add dehydration to your other list of symptoms.

How to Avoid Motion Sickness Flying

Similar to riding in a car, the same thing can happen to your brain signals when flying, a miscommunication between your inner ear and eyes. There are similar and different coping mechanisms you can try when flying.

1. Pick the right seat

If you often feel sick on a plane, try getting strategic about your seat location, if possible. Studies show that sitting in a wing seat or at the front of the aircraft has much less turbulence than the back of the cabin. Also choosing a window seat might help, this way you can look out at the horizon just like the car scenario.

2. Eat light

Keeping your body fed is very important while traveling, but when you are in flight, try not to eat anything too heavy. Stay away from greasy, fatty and sugary food. Eat light throughout the day and make sure to bring snacks on the plane. The lightness on your body will help reduce your chances of having an upset stomach.

3. Airflow

If you begin to feel warm or sweaty, this may be a sign that you need more air flow. Make sure you have plenty of airflow while in your seat. There are individual fans above each seat, make sure to direct yours toward you and maintain that air flow throughout the flight.

4. Have some ginger

Who would have known? According to various studies, ginger is reported to help with motion sickness in some travelers. Ginger tablets are available and can be taken before and during travel. Don't have ginger tablets? Ask for ginger ale when the flight attendant comes by for drink orders.

Thanks for reading! We hope this helps 

The information in this blog is not intended to serve as medical advice. Seek professional medical assistance for health and wellness advice.